For its tenth year, Brooklyn will play host to Northside Festival spanning over five days from June 6-10 throughout various venues in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick. Northside Festival brings more than music to BK but also has a focus on innovation and content by giving the community a platform to connect on multiple facets of the creative world.

With so much to take in over the weekend, we thought we’d give you a “know before you go” breakdown of what we’ll be checking out at the event, and highlight some key items on the program that we are especially excited about.

MUSIC- It does make the world go round

With over 300 artist spanning various genres on the 2018 lineup, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. One pledge of Northside Festival is to expose its audience to artists on the rise within the music scene. Historically, Northside has given musicians a platform for their first NYC shows to artists like Chance the Rapper and War on Drugs. You’ll notice some familiar names on the 2018 lineup, but I strongly suggest doing your research on some of these names that are new to you- or even better, blindly drop in to some sets throughout the week and get a taste of that Northside magic we are all searching for.

You can check out the full lineup here to and build your schedule for the week through their schedule builder here. These shows are featured in some of Brooklyn's most cherished music venues and outdoor spaces. One tip I will throw your way before you venture out for the week- if you’re dead-set on a show, make sure you get there in time to get in to the venue. These venues do have capacity limits, and the shows that require badges are open to anyone with a badge, so plan your time accordingly.

Photo courtesy of Northside Festival

INNOVATION- Network and Learn!

Northside has curated a program with some of the most innovative names in the community featuring keynotes, panels, pitch competitions and networking events. This portion of the festival kicks off on Wednesday (schedule here) and is positioned around future making.

The festival producers have built a stellar program around tech, enterprise, entrepreneurship, marketing, design, media, video/vr and culture. If you have the opportunity to experience this side of the festival, which I highly recommend based on the stellar lineup here, make sure you make the most of your experience and network, network, network.

I personal pledge of mine I translate into my home and work life is sustainability which is the highlight of programming for me for 2018. If you see me at the panel on Wednesday, please say hi and let’s chat about how we can work towards cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle!

Art + Outside + Williamsburg c/o Northside Media

BLOCK PARTY- Seriously, who doesn't love a good party?

Alright y’all, maybe it’s the southerner in me, but I love a good outside party, and Brooklyn does them better than any party I’ve met in my lifetime. On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-6 pm, Northside will be taking over a portion of Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg to bring art installations, yoga, interactive activities, and the opportunity to walk down Bedford Ave and experience the neighborhood as a re-imagined creative oasis.

BADGES- Get 'em and get out there!

If you haven’t had a chance to snag your badges for the event, you can check out the different badge options here. Can’t attend the whole festival, but want to catch a show? Northside offers some single show passes throughout the week and you can find them here.

Most importantly, hydrate, have fun and broaden your horizons. I’ll see you out there.

Olivia is a contributing writer for Bullet Music based out of Brooklyn, NY. Southern raised, Olivia grew up in Jacksonville, FL and moved to New York in early 2015. With an absurd and abundant amount of love for live music, she’s chased bands all over the states and now is lucky enough to reside in the music saturated NYC.